Business Research Concepts Part 2
Understanding Business Research Terms and Concepts: Part 2
Stephen McGuff
RES 351
September 8, 2014
Ross Jackson
Understanding Business Research Terms and Concepts: Part 2
In quantitative research it’s important to know what type of instruments and sampling methods are available. It’s also beneficial to understand the descriptive statistical method as well as the inferential method when dealing with business problems. This paper will attempt to summarize each of the selected data collection instruments, sampling methods, and the statistical methods as well as express their weaknesses and strengths and identify specific situations they could be utilized within.
An instrument is a tool used to collect data within a research project. There are many quantitative data collection instruments available but we will focus on three: interview, survey/questionnaire and focus group. The interview can be conducted either individually or in a group setting. Interviewers are trained to deviate only minimally from the question wording to ensure uniformity of interview. Specific circumstances for which interviews are particularly appropriate include situations involving complex subject matter, detailed information, high-status respondents, and highly sensitive subject matter. This could include answering questions such as “What are participants’ and stakeholders’ expectations?” (nsf.gov, 2014).
The survey or questionnaire is another valued instrument in collecting data. Surveys are a very popular form of data collection for large groups, where standardization is important. Surveys consist of written questions and responses. Responses may take the form of a scale rating, give categories from which to choose, or ask to estimate numbers or percentages of time. Surveys are specifically selected when information is to be collected from a large number of people or when answers are needed to a clearly defined set of questions. This could include trying to improve customer service
Stephen McGuff
RES 351
September 8, 2014
Ross Jackson
Understanding Business Research Terms and Concepts: Part 2
In quantitative research it’s important to know what type of instruments and sampling methods are available. It’s also beneficial to understand the descriptive statistical method as well as the inferential method when dealing with business problems. This paper will attempt to summarize each of the selected data collection instruments, sampling methods, and the statistical methods as well as express their weaknesses and strengths and identify specific situations they could be utilized within.
An instrument is a tool used to collect data within a research project. There are many quantitative data collection instruments available but we will focus on three: interview, survey/questionnaire and focus group. The interview can be conducted either individually or in a group setting. Interviewers are trained to deviate only minimally from the question wording to ensure uniformity of interview. Specific circumstances for which interviews are particularly appropriate include situations involving complex subject matter, detailed information, high-status respondents, and highly sensitive subject matter. This could include answering questions such as “What are participants’ and stakeholders’ expectations?” (nsf.gov, 2014).
The survey or questionnaire is another valued instrument in collecting data. Surveys are a very popular form of data collection for large groups, where standardization is important. Surveys consist of written questions and responses. Responses may take the form of a scale rating, give categories from which to choose, or ask to estimate numbers or percentages of time. Surveys are specifically selected when information is to be collected from a large number of people or when answers are needed to a clearly defined set of questions. This could include trying to improve customer service
References: Cooper, D., & Schindler, P. (2014). Business research Methods (12th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Ozlen, M. K., & Hasanspahic, F. (2013, Jul). A Descriptive Study on the Motivation of Bosnian Workers. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 3(7), 184-201. Wininger, K. (2012). Benefits of inferential statistical methods in radiation exposure studies:another look at percutaneous spinal cord stimulation mapping [trialing] procedures. Pain Physician, 15(2), 161-170. laerd.com. (2014). Descriptive inferential statistics. Retrieved from http://statistics.laerd.com/statistical-guides/descriptive-infrential-statistical-faqs.php nsf.gov. (2014). An Overview of Quantitative and Qualitative Data Collection Methods. Retrieved from http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2002/nsf02057/nsf02057_4.pdf sagepub.com. (2014). Choosing the type of probability sampling. Retrieved from http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/40803_5.pdf